It is perfect timing—Tracy McGrady officially announced the relaunch of the Ones Basketball League (OBL) today, March 18, 2026.
This new iteration, rebranded as “OBL: Battle of the Cities,” shifts from the original individual tournament style to a team-based format backed by a multi-million dollar investment from Next Gen Sports.
Key Details of the Relaunch
- Format: The league features city-based teams with three-man rosters. Instead of a massive open bracket, celebrity Owners/GMs will hand-select elite 1-on-1 players to represent their respective cities.
- The Tournament: The “Battle of the Cities” is scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, running from May 15 to June 30, 2026.
- Celebrity Ownership Group: T-Mac has assembled a high-profile group of NBA legends and entertainers to serve as GMs/Owners:
- Vince Carter (Team Orlando)
- Tim Hardaway Sr. (Team Miami)
- John Wall and Quinn Cook (Team Washington, D.C.)
- Jadakiss (Team New York)
- Larenz Tate (Actor)
Why the Change?
McGrady has noted that this shift focuses on “toughness, personality, and authenticity,” aiming to capture the short-form, high-intensity content that resonates with younger fans. By moving to Orlando—where T-Mac grew up playing 1-on-1—the league looks to lean into the “swagger and pride” of local basketball cultures.
If you are interested in seeing who makes the rosters or want to participate, recruitment is still active through their official site at oblhoops.com.